Tofino, population 1,700, is a former logging and fishing village that has become a center for ecotourism and activities such as whale watching, surfing, and camping. It is located on Clayoquot Sound, on the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, 208 km (129 miles) west of Nanaimo. Clayoquot Sound is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Tofino Inlet was named in 1792 by the Spanish explorers Galiano and Valdés, in honour of Admiral Vicente Tofiño de San Miguel y Wanderiales (or Vanderiales), under whom Galiano had learned cartography.

Tofino is accessible via Highway 4. The road, best driven during the day, is very twisty and narrow (particularly west of Port Alberni) but offers great views of lakes and mountains on the west coast. Coming from Victoria, take Highway #1/#19 north 160 km to the Highway 4 turnoff west to Port Alberni.

49.0822-125.7721Tofino-Ucluelet Airport (YAZ IATA also known as Long Beach Airport) (is located 19 kilometers south-east of Tofino, on the Pacific Rim Highway (Hwy 4)). It is in Pacific Rim National Park, and just across the highway from Long Beach. Regularly scheduled flights to Victoria (YYJ) and Vancouver (YVR IATA) on Pacific Coastal Airlines are $250-300 one-way. Private pilots will find three 5,000-foot paved runways, no landing fees, and fuel available. However, beware the weather; low overcast is common, and fog can appear suddenly on summer days.

The town is small enough to walk through. A dedicated walking and bike path runs all the way down to Cox Bay. A free shuttle bus with a surfboard rack runs hourly in the summer season giving access as far as Cox bay.

49.052-125.711Pacific Rim National Park, ☏+1 250-726-3500, ✉pacrim.info@pc.gc.ca. Rocky headlands, long beaches, and wild surf, set against Vancouver Island's temperate rain forest. Entry is $7.80 for adults. Camping $24-70/night. Parking fee $10/day. Many walking trails including long sandy beaches, rugged rocky coastline and boardwalks through old growth forests. Maps and information available visitor centers at Cox bay and the junction for Ucluelet and Tofino.

Tofino Legion (Royal Canadian Legion Clayoquot Branch No 65), 331 Main, ☏+1 250 725-3361. Various evenings. This hall hosts so many community events that it's easy to forget it's a membership hall of the veteran's association. Multiple concerts per week of a variety of music, over the summer. Most performers are for one night only.$12-30.

Tofino Food and Wine Festival, Various locations. First weekend in June. A festival of gourmet meals, barbeques, and cooking classes, and farmers markets at restaurants and resorts around the region.

Tofino Lantern Festival (at the Tofino Botanical Gardens). Second Saturday in August, 7:30PM to 10:30PM. An exhibition of beautiful lanterns, and workshops to make your own lanterns.$15/person, children 12 and under are free.

Tofino is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world. The long sandy beaches south of town are the main attraction, as are whale watching, hot springs, and surfing. In the winter, many of the facilities close up. However, there are still a number of travellers who come to see the storm season. For hikers, Tofino is a gateway to the Island's backcountry. With a guide or on your own, explore amazing trails or paddle beautiful inlets. There is still a lot of wildlife, such as Orcas, Bald Eagles, and bears. Tofino and Clayoquot Sound is a world renowned kayaking destination offering wilderness experiences on daily trips between 2 - 6 hr or even multi-day kayak adventures. Usually no previous experience is required.

Hot Springs - Approximately 27 mi (43 km) northwest of Tofino sits Hot Springs Cove, a natural hot spring that flows through interconnecting pools of various temperatures until finally reaching the ocean waters. The hot springs are accessible by boat or float plane, followed by a hike through the forest, and so a trip to the hot springs can offer both hiking and the potential for whale watching en route.

Long Beach Golf Course, 1850 Pacific Rim Hwy, ☏+1 250 725-3332, ✉golf@island.net. Tucked around the end of the airport's runway 11, this 9-hole par 36 course also features an 18-hole minigolf course and a driving range. Easy walking distance from the airport and from Long Beach.9 holes $25.80+tax, minigolf $7, club rentals $16.

Tofino is the surfing capital of Canada. There are only beach breaks in Tofino. Surfing (with a 5mm wet suit) is popular whenever the surf is up. Winter brings higher waves yet the temperature is still moderate enough to surf. There are 3 surfing beaches and all can get busy in the high season. Many surf shops in and out of town provide rentals and lessons (see Buy section)

Chesterman Beach (about 5km from downtown). Slightly sheltered by offshore islands, Chesterman Beach offers the best surfing for beginners. Parking lots at the north and south end.

49.1019-125.87291Cox Beach (next beach south after Chesterman). Often offers bigger waves than Chesterman's. Access from North parking lot with toilets and showers or South parking lot further from Tofino

Long Beach (in Pacific Rim National Park, near the Long Beach golf course and Long Beach Airport). Aptly named! This beach requires a parking pass.

The Common Loaf Bake Shop, 180 First St, ☏+1 250 725-3915. Tofino's original whole foods bake shop for over 25 years. Homebaked breads, scones, goodies, pastas, pizzas and specialties, at approx. $15/person. Also known for its message-laden bulletin board.

Tofino Brewing Co, 681 Industrial Way (Just south of town, can either drive or walk the well maintained Tonquin Connector Trail), ☏+1-250-725-2899. Tofino's first and so far only brewery. You can see the operation, sample or buy their brews. (updated Sep 2016)

During high season (May–September) hotels here are among the most expensive in BC. During the off-season better deals are available. If you don't mind the two hour drive, considerably cheaper accommodation is available in Port Alberni.

Wickaninnish Inn, ☏+1 250 725-3100, toll-free: +1-800-333-4604. An upscale hotel built on the rocks on Chesterman beach, Pointe Restaurant - a restaurant rated one of the best in Canada, and Ancient Cedars spa at Chesterman Beach. Member Relais & Chateaux.$340-1000.

Pacific Sands Beach Resort, toll-free: +1-800-565-2322. At the beach front on spectacular Cox Bay offering spacious suite and villa accommodations ranging from 520 to 1,400 square feet. Eco and pet friendly. Rates range from $180 to $440 in the low season and $325 to $690 in the high season.

[dead link]Clayoquot Field Station at Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, ☏+1 250 725-1220. On 12 acres of waterfront gardens, rain forest, paths and boardwalks. An educational facility that brings students researchers and travelers together for an introspective, quiet time. Dorm-style rooms and a private suite are available. Rate includes admission to Tofino Botanical Gardens.$32-120.

Cell phones work in Tofino, but data connections can be very slow. Computers with Internet access are available at a few shops in town (such as the Tofino Pharmacy and Tofitian Coffee Shop). Free Wifi is available at Darwins Cafe at the Tofino Botanical Gardens.